Writing Your Birth Plan

Why write a birth plan?

Writing a birth plan can help you feel in control of your birth. By writing out such a plan, you become more informed about your birth. And in designing your birth plan, you become engaged in the birth experience and can feel more empowered.

Furthermore, as individuals, we all have our unique wishes and expectations. The birth of your child is one of the most momentous and joyous occasions in your life.

Then why not have some say in how it occurs? If the labor you envision is within the realms of safe procedures and little added hassle for the hospital staff, you should let your wishes be known by creating a birth plan.

What are my options? How do I start?

To create a birth plan, you must start by researching what exactly occurs during labor and delivery. Also research all the possible complications that could arise and would require special treatment. Be prepared! Once you've researched, you'll have a pretty good idea of what would enhance your comfort during labor, or alternately, what would make you uneasy and should therefore be avoided.

Hospital staff are usually open to a birthing plan. However, as it demonstrates your active involvement in your pregnancy, some staff may see it as a hindrance to usual operations. Midwives tend to be more open to birth plans as they will focus more on the individual differences requested by couples.

Also, birth plans will look radically different depending on what type of birth you're having. You will either have a labor birth plan, a cesearean birth plan (sic) or a midwife birth plan. However, unlike ceasarean (sic) birth plans, labor plans have many options from which to choose.

Read over the sample work sheet below and think carefully about your options. Then write down those that appeal most to you. These very general questions will hopefully lead you to create your own detailed and personalized plan.

A Labor Birth Plan Sample Worksheet

1. I would like to give birth:

• at home
  
• in a birthing room
  
• in a delivery room (more surgical facilities)
  
• in the shower
  

2. In my birthing room, the following is important to me:

• Dimmed lights
  
• Soft music playing
  
• Wearing my own clothes during delivery
  

3. I would like to have the following people present at the birth: